Abstract: In a hydraulically operated pulling over and toe lasting machine both the operative position of the heel support (26), i.e. in which it holds the shoe by engagement with its heel end, and the position from which it initially moves to engage the shoe (the "next start" position) are controlled by electronic circuitry. Thus, an inductance switch (118) is actuated when the heel pad (100) engages the heel end of the shoe, said switch causing the supply of fluid to be shut off and locking the heel support in its operative position. For setting the "next start" position, on the other hand, selector switches (122,124) are provided each of which has an associated timer (T1,T2). At the end of a lasting cycle the heel support (26) is first fully retracted and then moves to its "next start" position under the control of the timer associated with the selected switch.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for depositing powder in a selected configuration, fusing the deposited powder into a laminate and pressing the fused laminate against a shoe substrate to adhere the fused laminate to the shoe substrate. A shoe substrate to which a fused laminate is to be adhered, supported on a surface and a guide assists an operator in the accurate placement of the shoe substrate on the surface. The guide has a pair of locating surfaces which can be conjointly, horizontally displaced in a first direction toward or away from each other, and independently adjusted horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.